Getting ill 4.5 weeks before contest

[RebeccaTD]

Hey all,

I competed 2 weeks ago in my first figure contest and have qualified for another show. It is in 4.5 weeks time.

Because I had done a LONG 13 weeks of contest prep for the first comp, I took last week 'off' and ate a more regular diet and did no formal exercise.

I freaked out because I gained kilos of water which I wasn't expecting. However between getting back on my diet and training on Monday this week and Wednesday I had lost half of the water weight, but have become ill today with a cold which has me with a temperature, the sweats and slight dizziness. I am just worried because it's so close to my next comp - in 4.5 weeks - and I have yet to lose the water weight and then get into better shape to show that I have progressed.

Can I just ask if anyone has any similar stories? Did you managed to turn it all around and compete? Any tips?

I am currently sticking to my eating plan, but have added in a little extra wholemeal carbs and fruit (kiwi and banana) as I noticed a real drop in energy and a dietitian I know advised me that my base metabolic rate would increase due to me being ill.

I still intend on doing my morning workouts (I did this morning) but the evenings I feel rotten and go straight to bed.

Can anyone relate?

Thanks in advance,
Rebecca

[jewelofnile]

Rebecca,
You need to take care of your body first. When I was sick about 3 1/2 weeks out from my last contest prep, I ate normally (meaning I ate more carbs than I do when prepping for a contest and I had some soups, crackers, white soda, etc.). I also took time off from the gym to recover for about 3 full days, and then slowly worked back into it. It can go to your head that you aren't working out, but you just have to listen to what your body is telling you. I think you will actually come back stronger.
You probably got sick because you did train so hard (which is completely understandable) so listen to your body and you'll be great once you recover.

Good luck!

[RebeccaTD]

Hi Jewel of the nile,

Thanks so much for your reply...it has reassured me somewhat as there is that feeling of undoing all the hard work that I have put in. I have stayed in bed today and slept most of it as well as a full night's sleep last night, so I guess I am getting the rest I need. I am sticking to wholemeal carbs and some fruit so hope to be nourishing my body and avoiding junk.

I will definitely be hitting the gym and back on the diet with a vengeance when I am better - you're right I will probably come back stronger and make a better go of it.

Thanks again for the moral support - it means a lot!

Rebecca

[jewelofnile]

No problem. Yup, those wholemeal carbs and the fruit should help. Try to go with fruits lower in sugars and higher in antioxidants.

Get to it once you feel better!

[Tortiecat]

Hi Rebecca, sorry to hear that you've come down with a nasty cold so close to your comp - it seems to happen to me all the time, although more usually around seven weeks out - it just has, in fact!
You could also increase your intake of vitamin C and zinc, and try taking echinacea, either in tablet or liquid form. All are natural, and wouldn't interfere with any drug tests that you may be subject to.
You are doing the right thing by getting to bed when you feel bad in the evenings - your body needs to rest first and foremost.
Hope you feel better soon!